Module 4: Activity 1

Watch the video and reflect on what strategy or strategies Robin used most to help him learn to read.

Woah! Go Robin Go! When I first watched this video I thought I was only looking out for strategies. I was surprised with the story behind this 50 year old man.  I think the most important factor of him learning to read is that he was motivated.  Robin was interested in reading things he wanted to read- for his grandchildren, the world around him, and his Bible.

At the beginning working on phonics was essential but he quickly was able ot move onto whole words. One of the strategies I want to touch on that I think helped Robin once he was recognizing specific words was reading on-level picture books.  I think this is most influential because he was able to use picture to help him construct meaning.  As he was reading he also began to re-read for comprehension and understanding when he realized something was not right. 

 I think that this was great because he soon read comics and ads so that he was not only interested but familiarized with the characters, ideas, and signs.  Using things around Robin’s world made it easier for him to read.  He began to spot chunks on the back of trucks and saw “rat” in congratulations when he set up his Gmail account. 

This video shows that you do not need to teach someone how to read out of a basil reader.  Using the environment and going off his motivation, Robin was able to read successfully for his friends and family.  Robin tried over and over and over again and did not give up.  His motivation was inspiring and a great reminder for educators- don’t give up! You’re never too old to learn!